A couple of weeks ago, I attended a gathering put on by Kelloggs for some Australian mother bloggers to discuss all things breakfast and cereal related as they concern our day-to-day lives. This gathering – and several since – was to begin and facilitate an ongoing conversation.
I enjoyed the experience more than I expected I would. Let me explain why.
1) Personal Relevance
As I said on the day, and have here on this blog many times, I often fight with Riley to eat healthily (or eat, period) and there have been times, rough patches, where cereal is virtually all he’s eaten, and while I might not be happy with the fact, at least I know he’s getting some goodness from it.
In a lazy-cook confession, I will also admit that there has been many an occasion where we’ve had ‘cereal for dinner’ and I can give a 100% guarantee it will happen again.
2) Dialogue
Much as I appreciate being given corporate breakdowns, histories, and information, they’re not what I embrace. They don’t stay with me. Perhaps it’s because I’m a writer – or I’m just nosy – but I prefer to disseminate the whys and hows of behaviour. Honestly, it gets me into trouble, and that can wait for another post. But what I’ll remember most about the breakfast was being seated next to Gareth from Kelloggs and our conversation, ranging from such subjects as the London Riots (then occurring) to Guns N’ Roses (always happy to meet another fan!). It’s those micro-connections that make the travel arrangements, the re-organising of routines, the time spent, worthwhile.
This said – I have some further points:
I feel it would be negligent not to talk about some of the issues that this area of events and parties raises, specifically the issues surrounding if people get left out – they’re not included on guest lists or invitations to speak, for example.
This has happened to me too. Do I get disappointed?
I confess: I used to.
Now? I sit down and have a quiet interrogation of my feelings. Sounds wishy-washy? Maybe, but I have to do it regularly anyway to stave off anxiety attacks. And do you know what? Upon reflection, upon contemplation, the emotion that often floats to the top like an answer in a magic eightball, becoming clearer and clearer, is this: relief.
Attending functions that are product or business focused have underlying expectations of you – as the guest – that are impossible to dodge or ignore. Impossible and unwise. Now this is completely fine with some people: they understand the nature of them, they embrace it, love it; for others, it can be an uncomfortable space, even if you are socialising with friends.
All I can suggest in such times, if you fall into the latter category, is to stop and think and try to find some perspective because blogging will never be fully rewarding if you are at constant cross-purposes with yourself.
Still feeling bitter? Or are you enthusiastic? Maybe you can organise something yourself. A meetup perhaps? It doesn’t have to be big, all you need are a few like-minded, engaged folk to come along and suddenly you are a gathering that are to be reckoned with; you can use that collective energy for whatever positive purpose you choose. And do you know what? That sounds pretty inspiring to me.
This wasn’t a totally comprehensive post on this subject, I know, but I would like to hear your thoughts about PR and brand-driven events? Do you like them? In what headspace do you attend?
Photo credit: Little Red Photography
